Page 34 - Education World September 2021

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION - HYBRID LEARNING - EDUCATION 3.0

has been high on the agenda for many systems, but has
he pandemic has disturbed all sectors of society
focused narrowly on literacy, numeracy, and high school
and revealed its fault lines—especially in our
education systems. The reaction to the crisis has
students in an increasingly unpredictable global society.
ge
T nerated some impressive responses on the graduation without addressing the holistic needs of
part of individuals and small groups as educators have Quality learning must be built on the interests of students
stepped up to serve their communities. In some cases, along the following dimensions:
public and private partnerships have filled the gaps. Some
systems have been able to rapidly deliver remote learning • Connecting to purpose and meaning
experiences, but most have struggled with meeting the • Challenging students to have high expectations.
needs of all. Equity, access and capacity left wanting. Prior • Positioning learning goals that focus beyond the
to the pandemic, many education systems were stalled, the basics
pandemic exposed the case that fundamental changes are • Using engaging pedagogies
needed. • Building relationships and belongingness
• Providing opportunities to contribute to the world
Through this disruption, there has been a recognition
that schools play a vital role beyond learning. Their custo- We see glimpses of this potentially powerful reform
dial and community roles are central to a healthy society. across the globe and indeed some strong examples in
As we grapple with the issues of reopening schools in this
uncertain time, we must seize the opportunity to reflect our global network: New Pedagogies for Deep Learning
on what has been learned, and what matters most. (NPDL). This combination of readiness for change and
urgency arising from the current crisis has the potential to
How will we choose to respond? Will we patch together shift the education system from one of outdated “schooling”
a reaction, or use this opportunity to transform the system to future focused ‘learning” and take learning out of the
itself? The question becomes, what will be more appealing - classroom and into the world.
reverting to the status quo or using the opportunity to help
students become knowledgeable and skilled change makers The Future of Learning
through deeper learning? We argue that the solutions lie This pandemic has magnified the question of what kind
before us. We have the opportunity to creatively manage the of learning is required in 2020 and beyond. To reimagine
immediate issues while building a bridge to a reimagined learning we need to reflect on what we know about learning,
education system. our students, the new role of technology and the complexity
of an unknown future. Six key questions can foster deep
Future focused Deep Learning reflection and be used to engage all who need to be part
Even before the pandemic there was readiness building of the solution- students, parents and families, educators,
for a new system of learning. The current system had and community partners. What is crucial is to take this
stalled, and the pandemic vividly exposed our systemic opportunity to ask the tough questions of your system,
inability to optimize the use of technology, and truly ensure discuss possibilities and take action for a new and better
equity, well-being and quality of learning. Education reform future.

34 EDUCATIONWORLD SEPTEMBER 2021